what kind of lawyer to talk to for alcohol law questions

Do lawyers drink alcohol?

Regardless of the pervasiveness of a drinking culture among legal professionals, rates of alcohol abuse are not equal among all lawyers. Younger lawyers and those who are newer to their positions have the highest rates of excessive drinking. Lawyers under 30 years-old had the highest drinking rates.

What questions should I ask when hiring a lawyer?

Ask the professional whether there are any alternatives for solving your legal problem, such as through arbitration or some other out-of-court arrangement. A good attorney will generally inform you if your case can be handled through other less expensive and time consuming means. 9. How will you let me know what's happening with my case?

How do you ask for legal advice in an interview?

Provide key details, but don’t feel like you have to tell the whole story. Ask a concise question—be brief and to the point. We use your location to provide state-specific advice from local lawyers.

Do lawyers have a higher rate of alcoholism and mental health problems?

In addition to the high rate of alcoholism and mental health for lawyers, younger lawyers were shown to be the most at-risk segment of the overall field. Past research had seemed to conclude it was older lawyers who were more at risk for developing both substance abuse and mental health problems. Alcoholism in the Legal Field

Can you call a lawyer to ask a question?

When you call 1-800-ATTORNEY (1-800-288-6763), you'll be connected with an attorney in your area who's familiar with the laws in your state, who's willing to listen to your concerns, and who can explain the options available to you moving forward. Calls are answered 24 hours a day!

How do you prepare to talk to a lawyer?

Prepare For Your ConsultationBring all documents. Make copies of all the documents you have collected regarding your case and give these copies to your lawyer.Have notes ready. ... Dress for success. ... Be honest. ... Talk about costs. ... Ask your lawyer questions. ... Understand all documents you sign. ... Keep your own files.More items...

How do you call a lawyer respectfully?

Address an attorney as "Mr." or "Ms." in most contexts. In the salutation for a letter or email, address an attorney the same way you would any other respected professional- using "Mr." or "Ms." followed by their surname. Generally, this is the best way to address an attorney if you've never spoken to them before.

What questions should an attorney ask?

In Order to Move Forward With Any Lawyer, First Ask These Ten QuestionsHow Long Have You Practiced Law? ... What Types of Cases Do You Manage? ... Who's Your Typical Client? ... How Many Similar Cases Have You Taken On? ... What Kind of Special Training or Knowledge You Have Outside Your Law Degree? ... What Are Your Fees and Costs?More items...

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

What do you say when you call a lawyer?

0:081:20What To Say When You Call An Attorney - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKnow kind of ballpark. Terms where you're coming from. And then you can elaborate on your specific.MoreKnow kind of ballpark. Terms where you're coming from. And then you can elaborate on your specific.

Does my lawyer have to do what I say?

An attorney must always do what they say they will in a prompt and timely manner as unreasonable delay may adversely affect the outcome of your case.

What do you call someone with a JD?

Address an individual by "Mr.," "Mrs." or "Ms." in all social or informal correspondence. This is the most socially acceptable way to address people in conversation as well. Use the title "Esquire" or "Attorney at Law" after a lawyer has passed her bar exam.

How do you start a letter to a lawyer?

Begin your traditional letter or email with "Dear Mr. ..." or "Dear Ms...", followed by the attorney's surname and a colon. For example, use "Dear Mr. Smith:" to address the attorney. If you write legal letters frequently, save this template to use in future correspondence.

What is the hardest question to ask a lawyer?

12 Tough Questions to Ask a LawyerWhat's your opinion of the probate process?Under what conditions do you recommend a Living Trust?How do I protect my children from abusive relatives if something happens to me?Can I keep my kids from controlling their entire inheritance at 18?More items...•

What is a good question to ask a judge?

Good questions to ask the judge include the following: “How do you like being a judge?” “How did you decide to become a judge?” “What was the most important thing that helped you become a judge?”

How do you know a bad lawyer?

Signs of a Bad LawyerBad Communicators. Communication is normal to have questions about your case. ... Not Upfront and Honest About Billing. Your attorney needs to make money, and billing for their services is how they earn a living. ... Not Confident. ... Unprofessional. ... Not Empathetic or Compassionate to Your Needs. ... Disrespectful.

What should a lawyer review with their clients before trial?

Every lawyer should review with their clients the possibility of a negotiated resolution prior to trial. In criminal matters, for example, you may be able to get a good plea bargain. In civil cases, your lawyer might propose mediation, a settlement negotiation process involving a neutral third-party.

How to feel comfortable with an attorney?

You should feel comfortable from the beginning of your attorney-client relationship that you will be able to have regular communications with your counsel. Make sure that you exchange contact information and agree on the ways that you will stay in touch.

How can a lawyer save you money?

Your lawyer can often save you money by delegating routine tasks to firm employees who charge a lower hourly rate. However, your lawyer should be involved in all key aspects and decisions of your case, or should explain to you why a colleague can handle some important part of the matter just as well.

What is the importance of having a lawyer?

Getting a lawyer with the right legal background is essential, but it is also important to know whether your attorney has experience with the judges who will likely preside over your case. If yours is a criminal matter, it is important to know if your lawyer knows the local prosecutors. This courtroom experience can greatly enhance your lawyer’s ability to evaluate the likely outcomes in your case and give you advice that you can rely on.

Why is it important to choose the right lawyer?

Choosing the right lawyer is a very important decision—whether you were in a car accident, have a medical malpractice claim, or find yourself the target of a criminal investigation. Referrals from friends or co-workers can be great, but you need to do your homework to make sure you have the right attorney for the job.

What is a conflict in a lawyer?

If the lawyer’s representation of prior or existing clients would limit the attorney’s ability to represent you, there is likely a conflict. For example, if you want to sue a hospital that the potential lawyer regularly represents, there would be a conflict. A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by ...

Can a conflict arise when interviewing a lawyer?

A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by a co-defendant in your case. Not all conflicts automatically disqualify potential counsel, but you must be fully aware of and understand the nature of the conflict before deciding whether to hire a lawyer in spite of it.

What do attorneys do?

Teaching, consulting, etc. Most attorneys are very focused on achieving goals and approaching issues in a logical and organized fashion. Thus, attorneys tend to do well if they are detail-oriented, driven to succeed, competitive, independent but able to work with a group, and able to think outside the box.

What is the focus of an attorney?

There are many opportunities for attorneys in the workplace, but in general, the main areas of focus for attorneys are: Litigation law, where issues of civil and criminal law involve arguing for or against a dispute in a court of law.

What is detoxing for alcohol?

Withdrawal management or medical detox services are often needed for individuals with moderate to severe alcohol use disorders. Medical management of withdrawal symptoms and for any co-occurring mental health disorders or physical issues should be included in the treatment package.

What is the legal profession?

The legal profession attempts to solve its own issues and regulate its own members. Every state has a Lawyer Assistance Program designed to provide assistance for attorneys with mental health issues, including substance use disorders. Similar programs are in effect for other members of the legal profession.

What is the lawyer bubble?

The book. The Lawyer Bubble: A Profession in Crisis suggests certain factors may increase the risk for alcohol use and abuse in the legal profession. People who work more than 50 hours per week on a regular basis are three times more likely to abuse alcohol than individuals who work fewer than 50 hours.

What is transaction law?

Transaction law, which typically refers to the practice of law that does not involve arguments in a court, such as the development of patents, legal contracts, legal documents, organizational policies, etc. Teaching, consulting, etc.

How many hours do lawyers work?

Many people in the legal profession work extremely long hours, particularly attorneys. Some attorneys may work more than 80 hours per week. The legal profession is extremely competitive, and individuals often feel extreme pressure. These factors can increase the risk for substance abuse, particularly alcohol abuse.

What percentage of lawyers have anxiety?

Anxiety is also a problem for lawyers – 19% reported “mild or higher levels of anxiety” and 61% reported anxiety issues at some point in their career. Any way you look at it, this data is very alarming and paints the picture of an unsustainable professional culture that’s harming too many people.

What is the alcohol abuse rate in the legal profession?

Regardless of the pervasiveness of a drinking culture among legal professionals, rates of alcohol abuse are not equal among all lawyers. Younger lawyers and those who are newer to their positions have the highest rates of excessive drinking. Lawyers under 30 years-old had the highest drinking rates (32.3%), followed by those between 31 and 40 years-old (26.1%), with rates on a steady decline as lawyers aged.

What is the most effective treatment for addiction?

For legal professionals, specialized services have been the most effective in treating addiction. Similarly, “profession-specific guidelines for recovery management” for physicians have dramatically improved recovery results in that field.

Do judges rule lawyers too inebriated?

There are many stories of judges ruling lawyers too inebriated to represent their clients in court. Rates of abuse among lawyers and related legal professions are among the highest of any career field in the U.S.

What is my next step?

This is a common scam on the Internet. There is no girl, there is no mother or father or detective -- only Internet fraudsters. Do NOT send them any money. They are trying to blackmail you, and you are the victim here - not some young girl who does not exist. Block them and do not communicate with them in the future.

Am i able to naturalize or will i need to wait for a visa?

More information is needed. What about your U. S. citizen grandparents? Do you have any U.S. citizen grandparents on your mother's side? This requirement is a bit more complicated than the residence stratus of your mom after age fourteen.

Legal malpractice atty required

I am very limited in what I can say here, an Attorney owes an absolute duty of loyalty to the client's interest. It follows that any disparaging comments about you would be a disturbing violation of that duty and the trust you put in the attorney.

Can my Filipino girlfriend come here to visit?

I agree with Mr. Black. It is her vaccination status, not your's, that is an issue. The law governing non-immigrant visa issuance requires a consular official to presume immigrant intent. Your girlfriend may be required to overcome that presumption in order to secure a non-immigrant B2 visitor visa.

I want to being my mother in law to us

A US citizen cannot sponsor his or her mother-in-law for a green card. Your mother-in-law can apply for a visitor visa at the US consulate in Mexico if she wants to travel here to visit her grandkids.

To appeal aN-600 that was filed in 2005,,,,

Well, you should have filed another N-600 sooner, but you may need help from a competent and experienced immigration attorney. It is unclear whether the USCIS will honor the Court order, even if it 'seems to be' obligated to do so.

Can b1,b2 visa holder apply asylum and if yes how much would attorney cost

The issue is whether it is within one year of your entry into the U.S. Also, what are the facts and how much evidence exists to prove a "well founded fear" of persecution on account of one of the reasons allowed as a matter of law.

Tales of addiction: What every attorney should know about alcohol and substance abuse

According to a 2016 study in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, 20.6 percent of lawyers screened positive for hazardous, harmful and potentially alcohol-dependent drinking. Men had a higher proportion of positive screens, as did younger participants and those working in the legal field for a shorter duration.

STORIES of RECOVERY

One California attorney currently in outpatient treatment shared that when she was at Stanford University as an undergrad, “Being hungover was a fact of life. Everyone was doing it.”

1. How long have you practiced law?

At a minimum, you'll want to know about the lawyer's expertise and whether the lawyer is a veteran or beginner attorney, for instance. Your legal issue may very well be handled by someone who is fresh out of law school, (or not). It all depends.

2. What type of cases do you generally handle? What percentage of your practice is devoted to (the practice area in question)?

You'll also want to know about a lawyer's expertise and how much of the attorney's practice is devoted to topic area your legal issue falls within. For example, if you need help with an adoption case, you may wish to seek a family law lawyer who has worked on, well, adoption cases. Click here for a full list of practice area definitions.

3. Who is your typical client?

This is an important, but often-overlooked question. For example, if you are an individual with a particular legal problem, but the attorney your meeting with represents only corporations, this may not be the best lawyer for you. Likewise, you may wish to know the financial background of some of the lawyer's clients.

4. How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?

Now is not the time to act shy. Feel free to ask about the attorney's track record, such as the number of cases won or settled, for example.

5. Other than a law degree, what kind of special training or knowledge do you have that might apply in my situation?

Some cases, like DUI and patent cases, require specialized training and knowledge for effective representation. Be sure to inquire whether your case fits into that category.

6. What are your attorney fees and costs, and how are they billed? Will a portion or all of my case be handled by paralegals or legal assistants? If so, ask about reduced costs

This step is obviously an important one. You'll want to know whether you can afford the lawyer's services and how you will be required to pay. This is also the time to ask about payment options and how often, and under what circumstances, you will be billed.

7. What is your approach or philosophy to winning or representing a case?

This can be important in two ways. First, if you are seeking an amicable divorce, for example, but the attorney is known to "go for the kill" in divorce cases, the attorney may not be the right one for you.

The numbers are in: Alcoholism is a real concern for legal professionals

In recent years, startling data has surfaced revealing the amount of alcoholic tendencies among legal professionals. Many attorneys and law students display warning signs of alcoholism but fail to seek the help they need.

The 2016 study

Though concerns about attorney drinking began in the 1990s, public attention shifted in 2016 when the American Bar Association (ABA) partnered with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation (HBFF) to conduct a comprehensive study of nearly 13,000 judges and lawyers.

Why do so many lawyers drink?

There appears to be a definitive correlation between the legal profession and alcohol, so many mental health professionals and fellow attorneys have begun to hypothesize as to the source of this connection.

Concern for law students

Just as attorney mental health has been in the spotlight, law student mental health and alcohol abuse has been in the forefront of the media. A number of studies have been conducted with the finding mimicking that of the 2016 attorney study. Many law students are depressed, anxious and turning to substance abuse to relieve stress.

Helping yourself and other lawyers with a possible drinking problem

Attorneys and loved ones are encouraged to help prevent a potential drinking problem from escalating to an alcohol addiction. The ABA lists the following as signs to look for as symptoms of an alcohol dependency: